February 21, 2007

Oliver Ragsdale, Jr.
President, Arts League of Michigan 

I’m Glad There Is A Black History Month, But… 

For so many reasons, I love Black History Month!  It’s a time to celebrate!  It’s a time to reflect!  It’s a time to recognize the many achievements and achievers who are Black and who contributed so much to the culture and fabric of this country, the world and beyond (don’t forget the astronauts)! 

But, let’s think about celebrating those achievements throughout the year!  Every business wants to have a super day or time of the year.  Retailers make more than 50% of their money during the holiday season.  The NFL has the Super Bowl!  But merchants are selling all year and football is played for six months before the Super Bowl!

 Why do so many school busses pull up to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in February and not in November?  Why are actors and musicians so busy from January 15 – February 28 and unemployed in April?  Why are commercials and Public Service programs focusing on the accomplishments of  African Americans primarily run in February?   

Don’t get me wrong, I am glad that all of that activity is happening!  But…The Arts League of Michigan is doing programming 24/7/ 365.  We don’t celebrate Black History Month we live it all year long!  And so do the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and Plowshares Theatre Company and the Detroit Black Storytellers and Detroit Windsor Dance Company, G.R. N’Namdi and Sherry Washington Galleries and so do…

 Each of these organizations and so many more need and want the YEAR-ROUND support and participation of the community.  We don’t want to be just a special event or one day celebration. 

 I think something was lost, when we stopped listening to folks telling those stories (that turned out to be history lessons or music appreciation classes) on the front porch or in Sunday School or even in the classroom.  Everyday there was an opportunity to learn, to grow, to understand.  How would our community change and grow if we lived Black History 24/7/365?  I’m willing to find out, how about you?

 Let the celebration continue!